Imogen, I really dont like this, I say, and when you have an incurable jealousy, perhaps loneliness would do you some good?
Imogen has long given herself a bleak diagnosisjealousy. She tells me its untreatable every time I ask her not to make a fuss over trivial things. My motherinlaw, Eleanor, often reminds her grandson that Imogen is jealous of every lamppost. Mark, my husband, never quite grasps the metaphor, but he cant deny that Imogens jealousy is excessive.
Did you cause a scene in the shop? Mark asks sharply as we leave Tesco, after Imogen erupts because I glanced at the checkout girl.
Flushed with embarrassment, Mark leaves me with the trolley while I decide to abandon the items Id selected and chase after him.
What were you looking at? Undressing her in your mind? Theres nothing to stare atno skin, no beauty, I snap.
I dont even know who this woman is youre talking about, Mark replies, recalling that I promised Simon Id sign a power of attorney today before sending him on a business trip. Ive wasted time wandering the aisles with you instead.
Of course youll find a thousand excuses now, just to avoid admitting your fault. Why didnt you go straight to the office after the shop? If its that important, I retort.
Because Simon is coming to me now; I had to pull him off his schedule, he says.
Male solidarity, even pulling someone off a commitment just to justify yourself, I mutter.
Imogen, stop giving me a reason to be jealous for no good reason, or this will never end well, Mark pleads.
And if you dont give me a reason, I wont be jealous, I reply.
Mark shakes his head. He isnt giving me a reason; I simply see things that arent there. It seems to be a talent of mine. Hes tired of explaining. He married Imogen out of great love, but after five years of her endless tantrums, his affection wanes. He sometimes wonders whether he chose the right partner, fearing a bleak future.
Mark runs a modest mediaproduction firm, while Imogen works for the city council. She has clawed her way up the ranks and refuses to give up her prestigious post. Whenever Mark brings up children, she says her career comes first. When Im settled in a nice chair, Ill think about itprovided we hire a nanny straight away, she adds.
Mark dislikes Imogens dismissive attitude toward family, yet he respects her view and cant pressure her. Hes suggested she quit, but she works for ambition, not money.
Soon Simon arrives, and they discuss a few matters. As Mark sees him out, he warns him not to forget anything. Simon asks, Why is Imogen in a bad mood again? Did you two argue? She seems puffed up.
Same old thing, Mark shrugs, jealousy keeps her restless.
Jealousy means she loves you, Simon jokes. I sometimes wonder if my own wife, Natalie, loves me. Ive never triggered a jealousy scene; I even flirted with her friend, and she didnt mind a bit.
Mark claps Simon on the back, wishing him a good trip.
That evening Mark sits at his computer, emailing a client in a different time zone. When he finally frees himself and heads to the bedroom, he forgets the afternoons argument, slips under the covers, and tries to hug Imogen. She jerks his arm away as if waiting for this moment.
Go hug the checkout girl! Imogen snaps, and Mark cant take it any longer.
He leaps out of bed, grabs the blanket and pillow, strides to the door, then whirls on the threshold and declares loudly, Ill spend the night in the office. If you dont calm down, I wont even come home tomorrow. Im fed up!
In the morning Imogen wakes Mark with a soft kiss, brings him a cup of tea, and says, Mark, Im sorry about yesterday. You have to understandjealousy is a disease that cant be cured. No man can escape being jealous of him.
I dont like this, Imogen. When you have an incurable ailment, maybe solitude would help, he replies, his tone so serious that Imogen pauses. She wonders whether he might really leave, because all patience eventually runs out. From that day a quiet calm settles over the house. Imogen becomes the gentle woman Mark has barely remembered. Though his work often keeps him late, he texts her before staying out and returns with bouquets of her favourite roses. She greets him with a hearty dinner, even though she sometimes wishes he could plan his workload better.
Mark feels happy again, but happiness, like a zebras stripes, can vanish the moment you step off the pattern.
One bright afternoon Imogen calls him at work. Mark, are you busy?
No, whats up?
I need a lift. I have to drive to a childrens health resort outside town, but my car is in the garage. Can you take me?
Sure thing, Mark replies, glad for a break from the city rush.
Arriving at the resort, Mark is struck by the towering cedars lining the paths, wooden statues of fairytale characters, playing children, and singing birds. The air feels pure.
You go on a walk, Ill be back soon, Imogen says, heading toward the main building. Suddenly a fouryearold girl darts at Mark, shouting, Daddys here! Where have you been? She grabs his legs, and Mark stands frozen, eyes flicking between Imogen, who has turned into a wooden figure, and the mother hurrying after her child.
A young woman, blushing with embarrassment, rushes to her daughter and gently tries to free her from the embrace.
Sweetheart, thats not our dad! she says, looking at Mark, then apologises, trying to explain the mixup.
Imogen launches into a tirade, What will you say now, love? That Imogen is wrong again? Will you repeat that Im always reminding you?
The little girl looks terrified, lets go of Mark, and clings to her mother, trembling like a kitten in the rain.
Why is Auntie shouting at Daddy? the girl asks. Her mother crouches, whispers something, and holds her tight.
Imogen, dont shout at the child. Youve scared her, Mark scolds.
Its his fault! Imogen retorts, Hes the one who turned his back on me! It wont work, love, it wont work!
Other mothers pull their kids away from the scene. Daisys mum grabs her hand, but the girl refuses to leave.
Let Daddy come with us! she cries.
Daddy! Imogen hisses, Why dont you go with them? Come on, forward, sing a song! Ill file for divorce and split the assets, just so you get nothing! Youve cheated me!
The woman with the girl apologises, Sorry, this isnt my daughters father. Shes mistaken. Please, no more fighting, the children are here.
Shut up, Imogen snaps, you never gave him a word. Hes still my husband legally. Hell become yours, and then youll command!
The woman lifts the girl, apologises again to Mark, and rushes off, while Daisy sobs, Daddy!
Imogen, calm down at once! Mark grabs her shoulders, meets her eyes. The girl made a mistake, and youve caused this mess. Are you out of your mind?
Of course I am! Im the one who left you with a copy of yourself! Why didnt you go to them? My connections matter, I get it! Now youll be left with nothing!
Imogen, youre crossing every line. I wont excuse anything Im not responsible for! Mark says.
Was she born without your consent? Yet you wanted a child, and now you have one! Run, catch up, soothe your daughter! he adds.
A voice behind them calls, Mrs. Larkin! Its the resorts director.
No, everythings fine, Imogen answers, shaking her head, then says coldly to Mark, Dont come home, dont wait for me. Ill manage on my own. She strides away with her head held high.
Mark scratches his scalp, gets into his car, and watches Imogen pass by without a glance, then hop into a taxi a few minutes later.
Well, thats that, Mark mutters, seeing a woman hurrying toward his carDaisys mother. He steps out to meet her; she looks nervous.
Sorry again, she begins, I put Daisy to bed, she was so unsettled I was scared for her. I wanted to explain to you and your wife. You really look like my late husband. From afar you seem the same, but its an illusion. Daisy is tiny, she doesnt get these things. She loves her dad and every night asks a fairy to bring him back. Please tell your wife we didnt mean to ruin her mood; its very awkward for me.
I think I have no wife left, Mark sighs sadly, wishing her luck as he drives off.
He doesnt want to go home, so he stays overnight at the office. He decides not to split the assets with Imogen; hell keep everything and buy a new place, since his clients are plenty.
The next day he rents a flat temporarily and heads home to collect his things. To his surprise Imogen is there, sipping whisky in the daylight.
Want a drink? she offers, holding out a bottle.
Thanks, I dont drink, he replies.
I havent forgotten, she says. And all those years you gave me the horns. You pretended to be faithful while our daughter grew up. Congratulationsyour idiot fantasy finally came true.
Mark says nothing; he no longer wants to talk. All love is gone, all feelings vanished. He quietly packs his belongings, and as he leaves Imogen shouts, Dont expect any settlement after the divorce. I lost my job because of you, and they want me to write owned because of your daughter!
She laughs loudly, and Mark answers from the doorway, Because of you, Lark, you lost everything!
Mark decides to turn the page and never look back. He files for divorce, receives the papers, and starts searching for new accommodation. With no time to handle it himself, he contacts a letting agency, only to discover the same woman from the resort answering the phone. She recognises him instantly, looks worried, and asks, Is everything alright? Did that incident with Daisy cause you trouble?
No, why would you think that? he says.
She mentioned the commotion at the resort. The director called her I thought you might have problems because of it, she replies.
Im here as a professional, and that little episode doesnt bother me at all. In fact, its been good for me, he says, realising his comment wasnt helpful. Could you help me find a decent house?
She smiles, asks the usual questions, makes notes, and promises to call back in a few days.
She handles the matter with real professionalism. Over the weekend she phones Mark, offering several viewings, describing each property in detail. By evening Mark knows exactly which house he will buy.
Thank you, Nadine, he says, a little embarrassed, youve spent so much time on me. May I invite you to dinner, if youre not in a hurry? By the way, hows your daughter?
Shes with my mother, and I wouldnt turn down an evening out, Nadine answers.
After dinner Mark drives Nadine home, and they meet a few more times until the deal is finalised.
So, Nadine, thanks to you I own a lovely home at a very reasonable price. Youre now officially invited to the housewarmingsorry for the forwardness, but the celebration wouldnt be complete without you, he jokes.
Ill be there, she replies.
She continues to visit after the housewarming. Six months later, Mark cant hold back any longer and proposes to Nadine. She accepts, and little Daisy now happy again watches as Mark promises never to run away from them for long.
